Congratulations Robyn for winning the Camera Settings Challenge on Bokeh. This photo also made it to the top 20 list!! What a stunning shot! XX
Do some of the camera settings intimidate you? Do you want to learn how to develop your photography skills and learn how to use your camera effectively without always going back to the “auto” function? These challenges are for you!
For this camera setting challenge both Robyn and I will co-host this challenge. We don’t claim to be experts but both of us have discovered how fun and useful this setting can be. We encourage ANYONE willing to share tips on this setting PLEASE don’t hesitate. We will not be offended but encourage it.
This week’s challenge is: Manual Focus
When these challenges started we covered the very basic settings. Since that time we have gone into some very creative, fun and challenging techniques and settings.
For this challenge we are going back to the basics.
Robyn’s photo above is a great example of what you can do with “manual focus” . Other Photographers with examples of manual focus shots are encouraged to post them here as well. Here is one more example:
One of the fun features a DSLR camera is the ability to do manual focus which allows the photographer to pick and choose the exact effect he/she is going after. Have you ever tried taking a picture and your camera would not focus on what you wanted it to. Have you ever tried taking a picture and when you pressed the shutter the camera did not take the picture but continued to hunt for a focal point. I remember seeing a beautiful double rainbow in the sky and was excited to take what I thought would be a stunning photo with my new DSLR camera. I didn’t know how to use manual focus and I was unable to get my camera to take the shot I wanted. With manual focus a lot of those disappointments can be avoided.
Manual focus can be helpful in shooting macro shots, especially when you want to focus on a very small specific area such as the very edges of a flower, or the very tips of blades of grass. When shooting through a glass window you can make sure your lens focus on either the window glass itself or through the glass to the image outside.
Manual focus is also very helpful in some low light situations, panning shots, for an intentional slight blur shot, or for portraits and baby shots. Below are some links that explain some reasons why manual focus is helpful. I’m sure there are many others not listed.
How do you set your camera on manual focus? Of course each camera is different so read your owner’s manual, Google “how do I set my ______ camera to manual focus” , or simply post a message indicating that you are having trouble figuring out how to do it and hopefully one of the photographers on this site can help.
I remember how excited I was when I discovered how to use manual focus and the cool effects I could get. If you have never used manual focus I think you will feel the same. If you have used it many times before perhaps this is a good opportunity to try some new experiments using the manual focus to help inspire us all.
PLEASE NOTE *** This challenge is going to be based on honesty. We won’t be able to tell if you have your camera on auto focus or manual so I am asking that you only tag photos csc-19 if this was shot 100% manual focus.
http://www.diyphotography.net/nine-reasons-to-manually-focus-when-taking-pictures
http://digital-photography-school.com/5-situations-when-manual-focus-is-better-than-auto-focus
Experienced photographers who are knowledgeable in this particular setting are encouraged to offer “kind and constructive” suggestions on the posted entries. Those entering this challenge want to learn and improve.
This challenge starts today January 5th and last through January 14th. All photos must be taken during these dates to be considered. Enter as many as you would like- the idea is to practice & learn.
TAG YOUR PHOTO CSC-19 AND post your picture in this thread to receive feedback from other experienced photographers specific to this challenge.
Voting will take place January 15 (and remain open about 24 hours) and the winner will be announced January 16th. The winner of the challenge will select an experienced photographer to host a new challenge . It is the winner’s option on who they want to host the next challenge; it may be someone they follow whose work they admire, or someone who is active offering suggestions on previous CSC challenges. The winner may also select an experienced photographer for the list of photographers who have agreed to host future challenges as another option or host the challenge themselves if they would like. Here is the link to that list: http://365project.org/myhrhelper/365/2011-12-12
Expect to receive constructive suggests on how to improve your skills.
How to post your photo on this link:
1) Go to your page that has the photo you wish to post.
2) Copy the “share” code in the bottom right section of that page.
@agima wow... They are excellent... I looked at the MF In my manual and it said "for the advanced user" so I skipped over it.. Lol.. Looks like I'm reading it tonight... Lol..
Great choice for a challenge. In my six months here, I have gotten over my hesitation, tried lots of new things, and now shoot almost exclusively manual focus. Here is one from yesterday that would not have been possible for me six months ago.
I use manual focus more and more these days as I've been getting in to macro. This is mine from today ... I wanted the focus to be on the match head, not the flame as it ignited - so pre-focussed on the head and then hoped for the best. Took a few goes, but was fairly happy with this in the end.
I used to use manual focus all the time since my camera didn't have auto focus. Since I got the digitals in 2000 I've only used manual focus when all else had failed and I was ready to throw the camera in the trash. Now I'll try using manual focus when all else has not failed and see what I can get. This photo was taken through my glass door and captured the tree in the rain.
I been using manual focus around 95% of the time finding it faster than getting auto focus to agree with what I wanted to do...my latest example is I picked up a bundle of spinners and manual focused after exposing for the sky above
@myhrhelper so if I want to join this challenge I just add a photo to this feed? I'm totally new to 365project and am a little confused... please let me know! thank you :)
@takeonlyphotos Wow love this - such an awesome photo.
If you are using it for the challenge don't forget to tag it csc-19
@agima Love, love your photo examples of manual focus. Please do keep your eyes on this challenge and offer any suggestions you have! I am not an expert and was hoping other photographers such as yourself would offer encouragement, advice and suggests @abhijit Same thing as above. Your examples are stunning!! Please offer any suggestions and help to photographers on this challenge.
@mrsbaldy you can do this! It may seem intimidating at first but you will be so glad you learned how to use your manual focus - it will take your photography to the next level. If you have any questions or run into any glitches please ask - there are no dumb questions - this challenge is to help each other learn
@amyamoeba So glad you joined in on the challenge!! What a beautiful example for this challenge!
@jantan Love, love your examples!!! As I mentioned above please offer any suggestions or help to anyone who needs it on this challenge.
@bardejov This really is a fantastic example why you need to know manual focus - how difficult it would be to try to get the focus where you want it in that short window of time.
@soupermario Love this! How difficult it would be to take this shot in audit. Such a mysterious feel to it
@lolanae Such beautiful focus on her gorgeous eyes and where you want it! Wonderful example Your room photo is very interesting - so fun to pic & choose what section you want focus and what you want blurred. oh, is that a tartus I see???
@httpgeffed Colleen Wowzers - look at that gorgeous bokeh in the background too - I think manual focus works better for this type of look
@hauss Lili - awesome!! So glad you joined in this challenge. You will love manual focus as you use it more & more. Very nice depth of field
@nadaa Excellent example of the benefits of manual focus! Love how parts are crystal clear and bokeh on the other!
@stoat Debbie so beautiful - Love the stunning water drops - wonderful example of manual focus
@aprilmilani Yeah!!! I'm so glad you are! I think manual focus is so much fun to work with
@alceyone Wow Anne! I think this would be impossible to do with auto focus!! unique and creative too
@ladykassy46 Kathleen what a wonderful example - I would never have guessed it was looking through the glass which is so tricky with manual. That camera must have helped you become a more disciplined photographer too
@sassyinma You nailed both challenges too!! Love the silky feel and crystal clear water above! Stunning shot
@aromatic This is your first??? Wow you started with a bang!! Look at how focused the sheep is and blurr the grass. Now that you did this one go ahead and try some more experiments! Remember no limits
@groovygirlrn Wowzers Sheri so nice that he posed for you to take his portrait!! Beautiful example of a manual focused shot
@mgirard WOW! this one is creative and stunning! beautiful manual focus shot
@loztsoul Trevor really a fine example of manual focus!! Wow - btw - if you have any suggestions to offer other photographers in this challenge - especially newbies with manual focus please don't hesitate
@debrac Wow this is one of those shots you have to look even deeper into - look at the color differences. The focus is beautiful fantastic example
@melody2289 Wow this is so pretty!! It would be so much more difficult to put this in auto focus! great example
@kiddik Kid - please join us in this challenge - we welcome you arms open. As already mentioned post photo in this thread (if you have problems doing so let us know) and tag your photo csc-19
This challenge is meant to learn from each other so you may get some feedback or suggestions when you post.
@heidit Congratulations for trying manual focus - you will love it! I think both images work terrific for manual focus. You don't have to pick one or other - try and post (and tag) as many as you want. I love the debth of field of the stairs shot and the first shot is so beautiful.
@iqscotland thank you so much for answering the question!
@jannkc Wow Jann - both shots are stunning but I'm especially loving the ice crystals of the second! fantastic examples of manual focus
@myhrhelper I think I've tagged it correctly... does it have to only have csc-19 or can it have other tags as well? First time I've put myself forward so may have done it wrong!
@takeonlyphotos you tagged it correctly for this challenge and you can use as many other tags as you want.
@mgirard lol - I had a moment to comment on all the photos but I don't think I will be able to keep this up - I'm hoping other photographers offer suggestions etc. too. Bread Mold??? Are you kidding me?? Ok, this is a first for me - It amazes me how people ake the most unusal things looks so cool - EVEN BREAD Mold!
@emrob WOW Mandy - I love, love what you did here - I was hoping someone would do this very thing - shoot the same thing with different focus points. Outstanding shot.
@rockinrobyn
Hey Rockin Robin - any thoughts comments??
I thought it was serendipitous how your winning shot was a great illustration of this challenge too!!
@myhrhelper thank you for your feedback! :) If I were to say anything is the best thing to demystify manual focus is start by challenging yourself to spend a day with auto focus off...just like getting over the fear of going from auto settings to manual settings don't over-think it and over complicate it....you just might surprise yourself that both will become much easier than you thought and your preferred way of shooting on many subjects :) I am still learning and believe I am always going to learn knew tricks so to speak
@myhrhelper ~ thank you so much for your comment to my Sheep shot.... just loving this new setting and having fun practicing ... ♥
Today's effort of January Blossom.......
@myhrhelper Thank you! I just upgraded to a nicer camera and it is fun getting used to it. I only wanted to post one, therefore the decision. It is a fun way to get effects though and I will keep on practicing. The Ice photo is actually the top of a little shelf outside - the illusion makes it kinda look like stairs. :)
I almost exclusively use manual focus now because I could never get my camera to focus on what I wanted it to. This isn't the most interesting shot, but it does illustrate the use of manual focus. I took several shots focusing on different parts of my bag before settling on this one.
Manual focussing is often easier with faster lenses. You'll have a brighter viewfinder image and the shallower depth of field helps you see objects pop in and out of focus more easliy.
Remember if you are using a zoom without a fixed maximum aperture the finder will dim a little as you zoom out.
This is from an old lens so there's no exif data but it was a 105mm f2.5 Nikkor :)
My autofocus has been broken since before I started 365 - if I entered I'd feel like a cheater since I've had a few days to practice :) Looking forward to the results, though!
I am a newbie and am loving the challenge areas; I think the camera setting challenges will help me the most so that I don't get lazy. I do enjoy having control over the photos I take, but I haven't played with all the settings on my new camera.
Here is today's attempt at using manual focus with my new camera:
I also made this collage of photos I took this morning, but I did edit the photos here to increase shadows for contrast:
This is my contribution to the manual focus challenge. It's a beautiful clock I was given for Christmas by my grandparents. The exposed mechanism fascinated me and I felt the urge to photograph it.
Another shot from an older, manual lens from the seventies. It has a wide focussing ring which is easier to use than some of the narrow ones on AF lenses.
I've been using manual focus a lot more recently. I got a 50mm f1.8 lens for my birthday and whilst it's a great little lens, its autofocus is definitely not the best! Since using manual on that, I've started using it with my other two lenses a lot more as well. Here's a shot from yesterday I took with manual focus. I wanted the whole of the word 'notes' to be in focus and it was never going to happening having it on auto!
I use manual focus quite a lot but still find it hard to get the crispness that I am after. Might help if I start wearing the glasses I was recently told I need!!
@sassyinma Very Nice! Your shots are beautiful and great example of benefits of manual focus. It is so good to see you playing with this. I think as Trevor mentioned as you work on it it is going to feel easier & easier and your preferred way for many photos.
@onie I often need to keep adjusting to get the focus right so 4 tries is pretty good in my book. Very lovely!!
@ladykassy46 Oh I especially love the bubble photo - very creative. This one is awesome. It looks like bubbles in honey.
I tried taking photos of a poinsettia and I do think they are not the easiest plants/flowers to get the right look. Your focus on this is nice but I'm not sure what you want the focus to be on. Perhaps with a macro setting or closer view.
@redpants The manual focus really brings out the dof as in your cool photo
@joeymc I can relate to what you are saying - some days I the crisp focus isn't there as good as I like. I will do some research to see if I can get a few tips for you on that. Great example of manual focus
@julz The icecubes is a great photo for both challenges. I especially love your second photot the clock, it is wonderful - love the point of view too.
@debrac I especially love how the background of the sheep (I think) is such a lovely blur in that photo.The top photo I'm struggling a little bit to figure out what I'm looking at. You are doing great at these.
@spirrowshoot Oh yeah! Now that shows the great dof that you can get with manual focus
@xptx I think if you tried doing this shot in auto it would be a bit more challenging trying to get the look you want and it to focus where you want. This one is really nice.
@mizikei20 Oh how beautiful - I totally agree it would be much more difficult to get that look with auto focus. Oh I want a 50mm so bad - my birthday is a LONG ways away. .
@iqscotland Now that is really cool. I love the focus and you must have a way with birds to get them to pose so nicely for you (I wish they would do that for me lol). Also the shot with the wire fence is really cool too.
Do those older lens work with the newer cameras (I have a Nikon D5100 & my husband just got a D3100) I've looked at prices on lens even the 50mm that I want and they are out of my budget. Do you think getting an older one would be an option?
@michelleyoung Now that is just showing off lol (just kidding) awesome shot. I don't think it is possible to get a crown in auto focus.
@aromatic Very nice rustic feel to this. The manual focus worked nice with this shot since you could choose what you actually want in focus. I think this would be harder in auto.
@glenmoor Excellent example of why manual focus - I think it would take a long time to get the focus right without if it is even possible. This is on my bucket list of shots
@soupermario You are on a roll now. Love the little humor shot too. Good one (dog sign)! The binder shot is very interesting - it almost has an abstract feel to me
@awright9777 I love the collage but I especially love the first photo the best. Beautiful example of manual focus!!!!! The challenges on 365 has helped me more than I can say - I've grown a lot because of them. The camera settings challenges has gotten me to a point that I'm not totally intimidated by hosting one of these challenges although I don't think I'm an expert. Also, if you look at the links I posted from previous camera setting challenges you may pick up a few more tips with some of them. Look on my page dated December 12th 2011
@salza Great to hear! Your photo is really cool - Interesting angle (eggs) choice! Keep them coming.
@jlshultz haha, love the headstring base guitar photo - fantastic manual focus shot
@emmar84 So soft and lovely - Much more difficult to capture this look in auto
@tara11 Thank you for posting it - you are 100% right I think it is a fantastic example of why to use manual focus. I love this photo and I think because of the way you took it it is interesting
@stephaniejane So pretty - I think MF works great to show the details like this in close-ups
@deanpatrickphotography I think this is an example of how in manual focus it is quite lovely but would be pretty bland if you didn't select the right angle with auto.
@hauss Very nice!!! Really brings out the blur in the other shots when focusing on just what you want with MF
@prochownia Now that one is unique. Again I think this would be so much more difficult using auto for this
@aromatic Oh those are beautiful!! This is the type of shot I especially love MF when there is a branch full of little delicate flowers.
I got way behind due to the holiday (and a wedding). Finally getting caught up. Haven't missed a day yet just behind on posting and challenges. This is the first shot for this challenge. Completely manual. Cloudy white balance, f/8, 1/40 second (slightly underexposed) and of course manual focus.
@joeymc I also have a very difficult time with focus. A couple things might help you. I could not tell what camera you are using but most dslr's have a diopter on the viewfinder. I use one adjustment if I have my glasses on and another if I am not wearing them. Most of the newer dslr's also have a function called "live view". This allows you to view the photo on the screen and zoom in to check close focus. I find this very useful if I am shooting macro especially if the wind is blowing. You will see the slightest movement of your subject.
@iqscotland Love your pigeons. @ladykassy46 Some flowers can be very easy, mostly the simpler ones. Poinsettias are not. @glenmoor I would say beautiful spider but I dislike them. Great shot. Love the focus and the water drops on the web. Amazing how fast they spin their webs. @mizikei20 Beautiful focus on this shot. @ladykassy46 My first thought, like Kathy's, was bubbles in honey. Wonderful.
@myhrhelper It depends a bit on how you want to define "work", I'm using a D3100 but it's going to be the same for you D5100. You can attach the lens without any problem, you control shutter speed from the camera as normal and aperture using the ring on the lens but you lose all electrical functions of the camera. That means no light meter and only manual exposure. You get round that, if you don't have a hand held lightmeter, by taking a light reading with one of your current lenses attached then use that as a starting point.
50mm are really popular lenses just now so even older ones seem to be holding their value, maybe partly because they were really well made with less to go wrong. My 50mm 1.8 came with my camera, that was the kit lens in the early eighties. The 105mm is older and was bought on ebay for about £30/$50
Short answer is yes but you'll have to work a little harder :)
I'm totally new to this (and a bit of a technological butterfingers)...the pictures are STUNNING, but I am still going to throw my name in the hat...how do I get my photo on here?
@itsakoolife Rebecca so glad you are joining us!!!! 1) Go to your 365 page.
2) Go to the date that you posted the photo. 3) Toward the bottom of the page you will see the word "share" (actually you see it twice) but next to the word share in a box is a CODE. Copy and paste that code on this page.
Hit reply and it is posted!
@lstasel - thanks for the tips. I use a Nikon D70s, which is quite old so probably won't have live view but I will look into the diopter. I appreciate your help.
Second try. I love all of the photos that I see of oil and water so thought I would try some shots today. Not exactly a success. Started out with an waterford bowl, water, oil and food coloring. Just too much going on. This was the best of the shots. With some processing it isn't too bad for a first try.
@joeymc@lstasel With a lot of DSLRs using the viewfinder for manually focussing is a secondary function. They can lack a bit in clarity and contrast so they can be tiring to use unless you have a lot of light, they also lack the focus aids like a split image or microprism of a dedicated screen. Depending on the make and model you might able to swap screens.
@iqscotland Are you talking about a "focus screen"? As far as I have been able to tell Nikon does not make one for the D300. KatzEye Optics does. It's about $100.00. Do you use one?
More of my focus problems come from my vision and I don't know if even a focus screen would help. The other problem is when I want a dof that is not possible. IE. 3" sharply in focus and everything further out of focus. Possible some of the specialty lenses (tllt-shift or lensbaby) might be capable of shots like that.
Thanks for the info. I had forgotten about dedicated focus screens.
My effort ,didn't have any time to get the focus spot on but think I just about get away with it.
I've been really interested in manual focusing just recently, makes me feel I've actually done some work to get a half decent shot :-)))
@lstasel Yes, that's what I meant and no, I don't use one. I didn't realise there was one available. I knew I could them for my film cameras but didn't expect one for an entry level dslr.
My vision's not what it used to be and to be honest I use AF most of the time just moving a single point around or using focus lock. I'm using an old lens just now and spending a lot of time with my glasses on my head zooming in on previews :)
I don't know anything about Lensbaby but a tilt and shift lens is a big chunk of money and mainly used for perspective control and extending Depth of Field so might not be what you're after. Suppose you could maybe hire one though
Hope I'm doing this right. My first attempt at a manual focus shot with my new camera. I didn't know how to do it so consulted the book - and used it as my shot. Last year I didn't do any challenges because I was focused on just getting a picture taken each day. I want to do the camera setting ones this year so i can improve.
@agima I really like your photo. With the dimmer lighting seemed like a great opportunity for the manual focus. I'm going to try this when I'm in a similar situation. Nice example!
@redpants LOVE the book shot. Seeing the pages in focus and fade out is really cool!
@julz Oh yes very lovely - the soft background makes a phone look elegant
Once you shoot manual focus you will be hooked
@catsmeowb Great examples. I agree I like the first kitty photo better but the second is an example of what would be almost impossible in auto - it would be very difficult to try to just focus on the whiskers, this experiment will help you see other uses when you want only a little in focus
@slash Love these two shots. For me it was like getting a brand new lens - all the new possibilities with MF that auto doesn't offer. I think MF is great when trying to just focus on a couple drops of water on a pretty plant or leaf
@poppymiles This is one example when Manual focus isn't always the best option because the subject moves so quickly it is hard to capture them. I had some vultures fly above me and I had it in MF and didn't realize it - then it was too difficult to get any of them. I actually think you did really well, but it usually isn't easy with flying birds (at least for me it isn't).
@lstasel I think it is an excellent first try. What made you decide to go black & white since the food coloring isn't going to show up?
@guaranteed lovely shot - excellent example of benefits of MF. It is so hard to get the camera to focus on what you want in auto.
@itsakoolife Oh I love the POV on this - beautiful shot
@emmar84 this is gorgeous! Love the pretty colors and the juicy focus on the lemon
@lottebgl elegant shot - It may be fun to try to single out different parts of the necklace to show the difference if you are up to doing that.
@lstasel Oh that is beautiful - love the creamy background
@emmar84 Wow Emma - love the pretty soft pink tone beads - very beautiful
TO EVERYBODY
I have NO IDEA what I will do during voting time. These photos are all so good, unique and I love seeing so many first time MF users. It is so exciting to learn something new.
@myhrhelper The shot I posted didn't have any of the food coloring. Those shots were all too busy. I think a plain dish would be better for food coloring so you could make that the focus rather than the etching of the dish. I actually used a solarization filter. It showed off the details much better.
@melwolters wonderful focus on this shot. @stephaniejane I had to laugh at your pencil shot. That is exactly what I do. I like the other two shots also. I know you said that you needed a less shiny background but I like it. Love the sharpness of the reflection. I also like the dof on the bookmark and the soft blue/pink/purple background.
I know this is a lot, but this is the first week I have used Manual Mode and I’m loving it! Thank you so much @myhrhelper for this challenge, I feel like I’ve learned so much this week!
I tried a couple more "Oil & Water" shots today. Both are manual focus, f/8, 18" from sensor. I used a lamp to light the paper. Plain glass pie plate sitting on top of a glass.
1. Pastel colored heart scrapbook paper under glass. I like the soft colors on this and the way you can see the hearts in some of the smaller spots.
2. Hologram scrapbook paper under glass. I like the color variations caused by the light hitting the hologram paper. I think this might be better with a larger aperture. If you look closely you can see marks on the pie dish that are not visible in the pastel version. Interesting because they are both shot from the same distance using the same f stop.
Both of these shots were oil and water only. I had read online to use some dish soap to keep the oil from spreading into flat spots. I tried that also and got more bubbles. Those shots are really cool also. Great way to get shots on a rainy winter day.
I'm addicted to manual focus now. I don't think I ever really want to auto focus anymore. It really lets me get right in there and make the macros happen. This photo is unedited (except to add my watermark).
This with a 35mm prime, manual focus made it easier for me. I set the lens to the closest it could focus then moved the camera in and out until the drops I wanted became clear. Of course, the focus is only as good as my glasses prescription, so might only be in focus for me.
XX 
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Here are a couple I took earlier in the year with my old bridge camera using a clip on macro conversion lens which has a tiny depth of field
Morning has Bokeh'n
using manual focus here allowed me to focus on the water droplets on the back petal
My desk as it usually looks. hehe
If you are using it for the challenge don't forget to tag it csc-19
@agima Love, love your photo examples of manual focus. Please do keep your eyes on this challenge and offer any suggestions you have! I am not an expert and was hoping other photographers such as yourself would offer encouragement, advice and suggests
@abhijit Same thing as above. Your examples are stunning!! Please offer any suggestions and help to photographers on this challenge.
@mrsbaldy you can do this! It may seem intimidating at first but you will be so glad you learned how to use your manual focus - it will take your photography to the next level. If you have any questions or run into any glitches please ask - there are no dumb questions - this challenge is to help each other learn
@amyamoeba So glad you joined in on the challenge!! What a beautiful example for this challenge!
@jantan Love, love your examples!!! As I mentioned above please offer any suggestions or help to anyone who needs it on this challenge.
@bardejov This really is a fantastic example why you need to know manual focus - how difficult it would be to try to get the focus where you want it in that short window of time.
@soupermario Love this! How difficult it would be to take this shot in audit. Such a mysterious feel to it
@lolanae Such beautiful focus on her gorgeous eyes and where you want it! Wonderful example Your room photo is very interesting - so fun to pic & choose what section you want focus and what you want blurred. oh, is that a tartus I see???
@httpgeffed Colleen Wowzers - look at that gorgeous bokeh in the background too - I think manual focus works better for this type of look
@hauss Lili - awesome!! So glad you joined in this challenge. You will love manual focus as you use it more & more. Very nice depth of field
@nadaa Excellent example of the benefits of manual focus! Love how parts are crystal clear and bokeh on the other!
@stoat Debbie so beautiful - Love the stunning water drops - wonderful example of manual focus
@aprilmilani Yeah!!! I'm so glad you are! I think manual focus is so much fun to work with
@alceyone Wow Anne! I think this would be impossible to do with auto focus!! unique and creative too
@ladykassy46 Kathleen what a wonderful example - I would never have guessed it was looking through the glass which is so tricky with manual. That camera must have helped you become a more disciplined photographer too
@sassyinma You nailed both challenges too!! Love the silky feel and crystal clear water above! Stunning shot
@aromatic This is your first??? Wow you started with a bang!! Look at how focused the sheep is and blurr the grass. Now that you did this one go ahead and try some more experiments! Remember no limits
@groovygirlrn Wowzers Sheri so nice that he posed for you to take his portrait!! Beautiful example of a manual focused shot
@mgirard WOW! this one is creative and stunning! beautiful manual focus shot
@loztsoul Trevor really a fine example of manual focus!! Wow - btw - if you have any suggestions to offer other photographers in this challenge - especially newbies with manual focus please don't hesitate
@debrac Wow this is one of those shots you have to look even deeper into - look at the color differences. The focus is beautiful fantastic example
@melody2289 Wow this is so pretty!! It would be so much more difficult to put this in auto focus! great example
@kiddik Kid - please join us in this challenge - we welcome you arms open. As already mentioned post photo in this thread (if you have problems doing so let us know) and tag your photo csc-19
This challenge is meant to learn from each other so you may get some feedback or suggestions when you post.
@heidit Congratulations for trying manual focus - you will love it! I think both images work terrific for manual focus. You don't have to pick one or other - try and post (and tag) as many as you want. I love the debth of field of the stairs shot and the first shot is so beautiful.
@iqscotland thank you so much for answering the question!
@jannkc Wow Jann - both shots are stunning but I'm especially loving the ice crystals of the second! fantastic examples of manual focus
FYI, it's bread mould
@mgirard lol - I had a moment to comment on all the photos but I don't think I will be able to keep this up - I'm hoping other photographers offer suggestions etc. too. Bread Mold??? Are you kidding me?? Ok, this is a first for me - It amazes me how people ake the most unusal things looks so cool - EVEN BREAD Mold!
@lolanae haha - I would recognize that anywhere!
Hey Rockin Robin - any thoughts comments??
I thought it was serendipitous how your winning shot was a great illustration of this challenge too!!
There are some great pics here!
Today's effort of January Blossom.......
Remember if you are using a zoom without a fixed maximum aperture the finder will dim a little as you zoom out.
This is from an old lens so there's no exif data but it was a 105mm f2.5 Nikkor :)
Love seeing all these! I think I'll be using MF much more now.
My photo theme this month is "Change". This photo is titled "Changing the State of Matter".
Here is today's attempt at using manual focus with my new camera:
I also made this collage of photos I took this morning, but I did edit the photos here to increase shadows for contrast:
The hands of time...
@onie I often need to keep adjusting to get the focus right so 4 tries is pretty good in my book. Very lovely!!
@ladykassy46 Oh I especially love the bubble photo - very creative. This one is awesome. It looks like bubbles in honey.
I tried taking photos of a poinsettia and I do think they are not the easiest plants/flowers to get the right look. Your focus on this is nice but I'm not sure what you want the focus to be on. Perhaps with a macro setting or closer view.
@redpants The manual focus really brings out the dof as in your cool photo
@joeymc I can relate to what you are saying - some days I the crisp focus isn't there as good as I like. I will do some research to see if I can get a few tips for you on that. Great example of manual focus
@julz The icecubes is a great photo for both challenges. I especially love your second photot the clock, it is wonderful - love the point of view too.
@debrac I especially love how the background of the sheep (I think) is such a lovely blur in that photo.The top photo I'm struggling a little bit to figure out what I'm looking at. You are doing great at these.
@spirrowshoot Oh yeah! Now that shows the great dof that you can get with manual focus
@xptx I think if you tried doing this shot in auto it would be a bit more challenging trying to get the look you want and it to focus where you want. This one is really nice.
@mizikei20 Oh how beautiful - I totally agree it would be much more difficult to get that look with auto focus. Oh I want a 50mm so bad - my birthday is a LONG ways away. .
@iqscotland Now that is really cool. I love the focus and you must have a way with birds to get them to pose so nicely for you (I wish they would do that for me lol). Also the shot with the wire fence is really cool too.
Do those older lens work with the newer cameras (I have a Nikon D5100 & my husband just got a D3100) I've looked at prices on lens even the 50mm that I want and they are out of my budget. Do you think getting an older one would be an option?
@michelleyoung Now that is just showing off lol (just kidding) awesome shot. I don't think it is possible to get a crown in auto focus.
@aromatic Very nice rustic feel to this. The manual focus worked nice with this shot since you could choose what you actually want in focus. I think this would be harder in auto.
@glenmoor Excellent example of why manual focus - I think it would take a long time to get the focus right without if it is even possible. This is on my bucket list of shots
@soupermario You are on a roll now. Love the little humor shot too. Good one (dog sign)! The binder shot is very interesting - it almost has an abstract feel to me
@nickpharrison Oh yeah! I can see why - awesome shot
@awright9777 I love the collage but I especially love the first photo the best. Beautiful example of manual focus!!!!! The challenges on 365 has helped me more than I can say - I've grown a lot because of them. The camera settings challenges has gotten me to a point that I'm not totally intimidated by hosting one of these challenges although I don't think I'm an expert. Also, if you look at the links I posted from previous camera setting challenges you may pick up a few more tips with some of them. Look on my page dated December 12th 2011
@salza Great to hear! Your photo is really cool - Interesting angle (eggs) choice! Keep them coming.
@jlshultz haha, love the headstring base guitar photo - fantastic manual focus shot
@emmar84 So soft and lovely - Much more difficult to capture this look in auto
Oh how sweet! lovely photo @kiddik
@tara11 Thank you for posting it - you are 100% right I think it is a fantastic example of why to use manual focus. I love this photo and I think because of the way you took it it is interesting
@stephaniejane So pretty - I think MF works great to show the details like this in close-ups
@deanpatrickphotography I think this is an example of how in manual focus it is quite lovely but would be pretty bland if you didn't select the right angle with auto.
@hauss Very nice!!! Really brings out the blur in the other shots when focusing on just what you want with MF
@prochownia Now that one is unique. Again I think this would be so much more difficult using auto for this
@aromatic Oh those are beautiful!! This is the type of shot I especially love MF when there is a branch full of little delicate flowers.
@joeymc I also have a very difficult time with focus. A couple things might help you. I could not tell what camera you are using but most dslr's have a diopter on the viewfinder. I use one adjustment if I have my glasses on and another if I am not wearing them. Most of the newer dslr's also have a function called "live view". This allows you to view the photo on the screen and zoom in to check close focus. I find this very useful if I am shooting macro especially if the wind is blowing. You will see the slightest movement of your subject.
@iqscotland Love your pigeons.
@ladykassy46 Some flowers can be very easy, mostly the simpler ones. Poinsettias are not.
@glenmoor I would say beautiful spider but I dislike them. Great shot. Love the focus and the water drops on the web. Amazing how fast they spin their webs.
@mizikei20 Beautiful focus on this shot.
@ladykassy46 My first thought, like Kathy's, was bubbles in honey. Wonderful.
50mm are really popular lenses just now so even older ones seem to be holding their value, maybe partly because they were really well made with less to go wrong. My 50mm 1.8 came with my camera, that was the kit lens in the early eighties. The 105mm is older and was bought on ebay for about £30/$50
Short answer is yes but you'll have to work a little harder :)
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/compatibility-lens.htm
2) Go to the date that you posted the photo. 3) Toward the bottom of the page you will see the word "share" (actually you see it twice) but next to the word share in a box is a CODE. Copy and paste that code on this page.
Hit reply and it is posted!
Was going for the strands of web on this cool looking prickly plant...
More of my focus problems come from my vision and I don't know if even a focus screen would help. The other problem is when I want a dof that is not possible. IE. 3" sharply in focus and everything further out of focus. Possible some of the specialty lenses (tllt-shift or lensbaby) might be capable of shots like that.
Thanks for the info. I had forgotten about dedicated focus screens.
My effort ,didn't have any time to get the focus spot on but think I just about get away with it.
I've been really interested in manual focusing just recently, makes me feel I've actually done some work to get a half decent shot :-)))
My vision's not what it used to be and to be honest I use AF most of the time just moving a single point around or using focus lock. I'm using an old lens just now and spending a lot of time with my glasses on my head zooming in on previews :)
I don't know anything about Lensbaby but a tilt and shift lens is a big chunk of money and mainly used for perspective control and extending Depth of Field so might not be what you're after. Suppose you could maybe hire one though
@redpants LOVE the book shot. Seeing the pages in focus and fade out is really cool!
Once you shoot manual focus you will be hooked
@catsmeowb Great examples. I agree I like the first kitty photo better but the second is an example of what would be almost impossible in auto - it would be very difficult to try to just focus on the whiskers, this experiment will help you see other uses when you want only a little in focus
@slash Love these two shots. For me it was like getting a brand new lens - all the new possibilities with MF that auto doesn't offer. I think MF is great when trying to just focus on a couple drops of water on a pretty plant or leaf
@poppymiles This is one example when Manual focus isn't always the best option because the subject moves so quickly it is hard to capture them. I had some vultures fly above me and I had it in MF and didn't realize it - then it was too difficult to get any of them. I actually think you did really well, but it usually isn't easy with flying birds (at least for me it isn't).
@lstasel I think it is an excellent first try. What made you decide to go black & white since the food coloring isn't going to show up?
@guaranteed lovely shot - excellent example of benefits of MF. It is so hard to get the camera to focus on what you want in auto.
@itsakoolife Oh I love the POV on this - beautiful shot
@emmar84 this is gorgeous! Love the pretty colors and the juicy focus on the lemon
@lottebgl elegant shot - It may be fun to try to single out different parts of the necklace to show the difference if you are up to doing that.
@missileman Oh I like this one
@itsakoolife Oh yeah, capturing those spider webs works best with MF
@emmar84 Wow Emma - love the pretty soft pink tone beads - very beautiful
TO EVERYBODY
I have NO IDEA what I will do during voting time. These photos are all so good, unique and I love seeing so many first time MF users. It is so exciting to learn something new.
a second try... played around for aaagggeess, trying to decide what to focus on!
@egad very cute.
@melwolters wonderful focus on this shot.
@stephaniejane I had to laugh at your pencil shot. That is exactly what I do. I like the other two shots also. I know you said that you needed a less shiny background but I like it. Love the sharpness of the reflection. I also like the dof on the bookmark and the soft blue/pink/purple background.
1. Pastel colored heart scrapbook paper under glass. I like the soft colors on this and the way you can see the hearts in some of the smaller spots.
2. Hologram scrapbook paper under glass. I like the color variations caused by the light hitting the hologram paper. I think this might be better with a larger aperture. If you look closely you can see marks on the pie dish that are not visible in the pastel version. Interesting because they are both shot from the same distance using the same f stop.
Both of these shots were oil and water only. I had read online to use some dish soap to keep the oil from spreading into flat spots. I tried that also and got more bubbles. Those shots are really cool also. Great way to get shots on a rainy winter day.
Eeeek! It's a mouse!
This with a 35mm prime, manual focus made it easier for me. I set the lens to the closest it could focus then moved the camera in and out until the drops I wanted became clear. Of course, the focus is only as good as my glasses prescription, so might only be in focus for me.
Tried to focus on the flame and get the dog blurry. This is a great challenge!!
First time playing around with the manual settings... kind of fun!